Los Angeles plunged into chaos on Sunday after President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s consent. The move, aimed at suppressing protests over recent federal immigration raids, ignited violent confrontations, street blockades, and political outcry across the city.
Federal Show of Force Sparks Uprising in Los Angeles
Protesters flooded downtown Los Angeles, particularly around federal buildings and the 101 Freeway, clashing with law enforcement and National Guard units. Trump urged immediate action against demonstrators, saying authorities should not let them “get away with this.” Former LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, noting the growing unrest, reportedly considered reassessing the situation, prompting Trump to respond, “He should do it right now.”
This is the current situation in Los Angeles, United States. US seems to be preparing to deploy Marines after the National Guard was deployed and yet failed to control the violence and rioting. Situation is going out of hand. US is the new Third world. pic.twitter.com/iyZjr8BeOV
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) June 9, 2025
The President’s move, reminiscent of the Civil Rights era, triggered a legal and constitutional firestorm, as the National Guard mobilized without gubernatorial approval.
Federal Buildings and Freeways Under Siege in Los Angeles
The downtown federal detention center became a flashpoint. Protesters hurled objects as troops equipped with riot shields and long guns responded with tear gas and smoke canisters. Protesters blocked the 101 Freeway, throwing debris and fireworks, forcing officers to take cover under overpasses as chaos erupted overhead.
At least four self-driving Waymo cars were set on fire, with explosions lighting the night sky and sending thick black smoke billowing through the city. The attacks symbolized tech-focused rage among demonstrators, who accused the federal government of invasive surveillance and suppression.
Newsom Slams Trump’s Move as “Inflammatory”
Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment, stating, “It’s a serious breach of state sovereignty.” He accused the President of triggering unrest with “purposefully inflammatory” actions and demanded the immediate withdrawal of federal troops in California—a rare direct challenge to presidential authority.
As night fell, LAPD declared multiple unlawful assemblies, but many protesters refused to disperse. Behind makeshift barricades, they resisted, throwing objects at officers and continuing to defy curfews.
Trump Reinforces Law-and-Order Agenda
Doubling down, President Trump told reporters, “There were violent people… and they’re not gonna get away with it.” He hinted at broader military involvement, adding, “We’re gonna have troops everywhere.”
The FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information on a protester accused of injuring a federal officer in Paramount. This marked a shift toward federal criminal investigations as unrest intensified.
Democrats Condemn “Abuse of Power”
Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the deployment “an alarming abuse of power.” Several Democratic governors joined in, accusing Trump of “trying to manufacture a crisis” to push a political agenda.
1. Meanwhile, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed over 100 arrests during the week. 2. The arrests included individuals with legal status, raising further concerns about indiscriminate enforcement. Civil rights groups signaled upcoming lawsuits.
